After the Luka Dončić trade to the Los Angeles Lakers, Nico Harrison was held accountable for the team’s failures. He was recently removed from his position as the GM of the organization, something that fans had been demanding for months. While the majority of the basketball community is glad that Harrison is no longer associated with the Dallas Mavericks, some in the NBA landscape still call him a great person.
Tyronn Lue Remains Unwilling To Discuss the Firing of Nico Harrison
Since the Mavericks failed to qualify for the playoffs last season and currently hold one of the worst records in the Western Conference, it is certainly understandable why Harrison had to go. However, Los Angeles Clippers coach Tyronn Lue was recently interviewed and gave a relatively neutral reply about the fate of his old friend.
While most of the basketball world was eager to criticize Harrison for his decision to trade away Dončić, which will undoubtedly be viewed as a terrible move, it is crucial to keep in mind that Harrison has been associated with Lue long before the trade.
Lue revealed that he knew Harrison due to their association with Nike, making it difficult for him to speak on the former GM’s dismissal.
Be that as it may, the Los Angeles Clippers coach did his best to defend Harrison, citing a lack of understanding surrounding the inner workings of the league as the main reason behind his unwillingness to comment on the issue.
“I don’t know the ins and outs, and it probably wouldn’t be fair for me to comment on it. He’s a good friend of mine. I respect Nico & everything he’s done for me…It’s unfortunate. He’s a great guy. It’s part of the business & a lot of things happen that’s not fair.”
Although the Mavericks fanbase would claim that firing Harrison was justice at its finest, Lue clearly doesn’t feel the same way.
In any case, the scrutiny that Harrison is still facing may be channeled by restless fans into frustration towards the fact that Lue, and a few other members of the NBA, are still supporting Harrison, believing that he has been scapegoated. Unfortunately, there is simply no way to know if any other members of the Mavericks were as involved as Harrison.
Meanwhile, Lue has his own issues to fight as the Clippers are struggling to find consistency this season. With a 4-8 record, they sit at the 11th position in the Western Conference, looking to return to the playoffs after a quick exit last season.
